Blues For Sportin' Life
Marley's Ghost Lyrics
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like the flickering glow of the pilot light,
the most beautiful dreams that never come true,
castles erased by the tide,
and you're just along for the ride.
We were chasing the sun out on Highway Number One,
rollin' down to Pescadero for some homemade pie.
Back when makin' music mattered more than packaged rock-and-roll,
(Bridge:)
But the women can't resist him and the old boys won't leave him alone.
If you're lookin' for a good time, this man's got the art down cold.
He's got a pocket full of sunshine to light up the darkest dawn.
The party's just beginning and everybody else has gone home.
When you feel like a slave to this sportin' life,
between pleasure and pain is the finest line.
Bet all you could borrow for some fast-movin' time.
Calling, raising, drawing on a four-card flush
and the dealer is a good friend that you can't trust.
(Bridge:)
The party's just beginning and everybody else has gone home.
The lyrics of Marley's Ghost's song "Blues For Sportin' Life" evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on past experiences. The opening lines, "Baby blue eyes still burning bright, like the flickering glow of the pilot light," create a vivid image of someone's eyes, shining with intensity and hope. However, the following line, "the most beautiful dreams that never come true, castles erased by the tide," suggests that these dreams and aspirations are often fleeting and ultimately washed away by the challenges and uncertainties of life.
The lyrics further delve into a reminiscence about chasing the sun on Highway Number One, a reference to a scenic coastal highway in California. This journey, accompanied by the desire for homemade pie in Pescadero, symbolizes a simpler time when music held more significance than manufactured and commercialized rock-and-roll. The songwriter longs for the days when his subject had a genuine passion for music, before becoming jaded and distant, as indicated by the "far-away look in those baby blue eyes."
The verses continue to describe the allure of this person, who is irresistible to women and admired by the old boys. He possesses a charm and artistry that draws people in, providing them with a good time. However, the lyrics also highlight the darker side of this lifestyle, where one can feel enslaved to the "sportin' life" - a term often associated with gambling, risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of pleasure. The finest line between pleasure and pain is explored, as the singer bets everything they have for a fleeting moment of excitement.
In the end, the party is still ongoing, but everyone else has gone home. This could symbolize the emptiness and loneliness that can come from constantly chasing thrills and hedonistic pleasures. It reminds us that even in the midst of a seemingly endless party, there can still be a deep sense of isolation and detachment.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby blue eyes still burning bright
The eyes, resembling a soft blue color, continue to shine intensely
like the flickering glow of the pilot light
Similar to the uncertain flame of a pilot light, symbolizing uncertainty
the most beautiful dreams that never come true
Refers to the unfulfilled dreams, despite their allure and beauty
castles erased by the tide
Represents dreams being washed away, disappearing like castles destroyed by the sea
and you're just along for the ride
Implies being a passive participant without much control in the situation
We were chasing the sun out on Highway Number One
Depicts pursuing happiness or a better life along a specific highway
rollin' down to Pescadero for some homemade pie
Describes a specific destination for nostalgic comfort, seeking solace in simple pleasures
Back when makin' music mattered more than packaged rock-and-roll
Reflects a time when creating genuine music held greater importance than commercialized, superficial pop
back before that far-away look in those baby blue eyes
Refers to a time before the eyes displayed a distant and detached expression
But the women can't resist him and the old boys won't leave him alone
Highlights how women find him irresistible and older men continuously seek his company
If you're lookin' for a good time, this man's got the art down cold
Indicates that he is highly skilled and experienced in providing a pleasurable experience
He's got a pocket full of sunshine to light up the darkest dawn
Suggests he possesses a figurative supply of positivity to bring light during dark times
The party's just beginning and everybody else has gone home
Expresses how the festivities are just starting while others have already left
When you feel like a slave to this sportin' life
Describes the sensation of being trapped within a lifestyle centered around indulgence and competition
between pleasure and pain is the finest line
Illustrates how the distinction between enjoyment and suffering is exceptionally subtle
Bet all you could borrow for some fast-movin' time
Encourages risking everything for a thrilling and fast-paced experience
Calling, raising, drawing on a four-card flush
Refers to participating in a card game by exchanging cards for a flush
and the dealer is a good friend that you can't trust
States that the dealer, as a trusted companion, cannot be relied upon in the game
The party's just beginning and everybody else has gone home
Reiterates that the celebration is still ongoing while others have departed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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